I worked with her on Wicked. She played Glinda and I loved watching the precision with which she approached her lines, and how she found the comedy in everything. She taught me what it means to take the stage and have a presence that holds a whole audience.
My Heroes and Heroines: Idina Menzel
The Broadway star on the people who inspire her.
Kristin Chenoweth
Michael Greif
He directed me in the original Broadway production of Rent (my first professional job) and has been my mentor ever since. He believes in me, helps me strive to be the best I can be and gives me perfect career advice.
Cara Menzel
My younger sister had kids before I did, and managed to earn a master’s degree while raising them as a single parent. Now she’s a brilliant second-grade teacher. I’m in awe of her ability to juggle everything and still be a great mother.
Joni Mitchell
She’s my favourite everything. She’s the most incredible lyricist and has an amazing, haunting voice. I feel as if her words express a part of me that no one else understands, in a way that no one else could. It’s an honour to listen to her music and be inside her head.
Barbra Streisand
The first album I ever owned was A Star is Born. I aspire to have her breath control but she also proves that singing isn’t all about technique; it’s about what comes out of your heart. Even with all her training, her singing is still raw and soulful.
Idina’s new album, ‘Barefoot at the Symphony’, is out May 21